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Bunnell Family Cellar 2012 Hélène, Yakima Valley, $24

By on August 12, 2015

Bunnell Family Cellar-2012-HélèneHélène is a new addition to Ron Bunnell’s portfolio, a Rhône-style blend of Viognier (60%) and Roussanne from Art den Hoed Vineyard — a cooler site also known as Far Away Vineyard — near Grandview. The eight-month program of neutral oak serves a purpose on the palate, but there’s no hint of that subdued use of oak in the nose, which is filled with dusty apricot, Lemonhead candy, dried pineapple and mineralilty. That barrel influence creates a marvelous honeyed texture with flavors of apricot and pear. Those are followed by a flourish of refreshing, food-friendly acidity. The label features a drawing of a flower by the Bunnells’ daughter, Amelia. Pair this with the Pear and Bacon Pizza at the Bunnell family’s Wine o’Clock Wine Bar and Bistro.

Rating: Recommended

Production: 205 cases

Alcohol: 14.2%

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Articles credited to Great Northwest Wine are authored by Eric Degerman and other contributors. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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